US (PA): Average apple production across state increases by about 2 to 5%
"Plenty of big apples," Rubio said. "Every year I'm more experienced."
The seven-year veteran can fill nine to 10 wooden bins a day at the Andrews Orchards in St. Thomas. His hands climb over themselves and sense when the bag is full. Rubio will repeat his moves over and over this year.
"This is a bumper crop," orchard co-owner Amy Andrews said. "They're big. It started to get dry there for a while. We were fortunate to have irrigation this year."
Average production across Pennsylvania is up about 2 to 5 percent, according to Julie Bancroft, executive director of the Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program, based in Harrisburg.
The nation's apple harvest is projected to be the third largest ever, she said.
"We've had enough labour to get the early stuff off," grower Mark Toigo said. "I'm hearing rumours there's a labour shortage out there, which could present some issues. Just the amount of apples is creating concerns about labour," Bancroft said. "It's always a concern. I don't think we've felt the impact in Pennsylvania yet."
Abundant labour is about economics, said Toigo, steering clear of any political discussion. If pickers are making money in the South, they must decide if it's worth their while to "chase the crop," he said.
"We have a nice crop of good looking fruit," Toigo said. "Now it's just putting wheels underneath it. I think last year had more apples on the trees. This year there's fewer apples on the trees, but larger fruit."
Local fruit continued to size up during a wet August. Hail and heat have not been problems.
Apple prices in Pennsylvania will depend more on local markets than the size of the national harvest, according to Bancroft. Nearly 40 percent of Pennsylvania apples are sold fresh.
"I'm not seeing much variation from last year's prices," she said.
She said she expects Pennsylvania to export more fresh apples. Many packers can ship year round.
Growers will be picking for the next month and a half. Toigo picks Gold Rush and Pink Lady in early November.
Apples come in a variety of colours and flavours. The buzz this year is about Autumn crisp, Crimson Crisp and Ida Red, Bancroft said. Honey Crisp continues to grow in popularity.
Andrews is one of the few area growers to have Senshu apples, a descendant of Fujis. She's encouraged customers to taste them over the year, and the variety has a loyal following.
"They have a unique flavour — entirely sweet. Crunchy," Andrews said. "You can do anything with them."
Source: publicopiniononline.com
